Note: Pet availability is seasonal. State and local regulations may vary. Pricing may vary by store location. PetSmart stores cannot match the price below for this pet. Ask a store associate for details.

Aptly named, algae eaters are often placed in large aquariums to help keep algae from overgrowing. These bottom-swimming fish feed on green algae and vegetable matter, moving along the surfaces of your aquarium scraping green algae with their suckermouths. They also eat all kinds of commercial flake and pellet foods, but must get sufficient algae and vegetable matter, such as fresh zucchini, romaine lettuce, spinach or spirulina pellets.

You will see your algae eater swimming at the bottom of your aquarium. They will also hang from plants and the aquarium walls, using their suckermouths for attachment. To create a beautiful aquarium environment, be sure to add some middle and top swimmers as well. Ask a PetSmart associate to help you choose.

Things to remember

Frequent feedingsFor optimum health, feed your algae eaters as much food as they will consume in 1-3 minutes, twice a day. You can alternate between regular staple diet feedings and 2-4 meals per week of a vegetable treat or specialty food. Remove uneaten fresh vegetables after four hours.

Adding fishWhether you're just starting your aquarium or introducing new fish into your tank, don't forget to add only 1-3 at a time.

Unique gill openingAlgae eaters have a special opening on their gills so they can breathe without loosening their grip on a rock or other surface.

AquariumMinimum aquarium size should be 10 gallons or larger. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water for every one inch of full-grown fish.

DécorDecorate their aquarium with hiding places such as roots, driftwood and rockwork. Also include plants to provide grazing surfaces.

Fish compatibilityAlgae eaters should not be kept by beginners or in a community aquarium with delicate fish. As adults, they can be aggressive to other tankmates and should be housed with large, tough fish or as a single species in the aquarium.

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Algae Eater
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Good Fish!
These guys are very attractive fish and definitely do their job! Even on the way home he was trying to clean off the bag! He gets along very well with other fish and thrives with buddies his buddies!
August 2, 2014

Algae eaters.
There are pretty good if you want to keep your algae low, and the are fun to watch, but they do grow quite long so I would not get one if you have a tank that is taller than it is long. Algae eaters are very good for long tanks. If you put them in a small tank they won't have very much space to swim in.
May 2, 2014

algae eater review
I got one of these algae eaters a little while ago and I think their quite adorable fish with easy care, but there are some things you need to know before getting one:
1) Do not get one for a tank less than 10 gallons. I had mine in a 3 gallon tank and it moved all of the décor around even if I buried in gravel. I now have a 10 gallon and the little girl is very happy.
2) You need lots of plants and decorations for them to hide in. If you don't, it won't matter what size tank they're in THEY WILL DIG.
3) if YOU Have a snail as well, you may see the algae eater less because there will be less food in the tank.
Other than those 3 things, the algae eaters are very peaceful, cute and energetic. They make an amazing addition to any freshwater tank!
April 4, 2014

best fish ever
i bought one of these guys about a year ago he was about 2 inches long now he is 3 1/2 inches long he likes his cave and only comes out about 3 times a day but at night or when the lights are dim he comes out and plays with some of the other fish i love him so much he keeps my tank clean and is fun to watch i recommend having something he can hide under my little cave i got at petsmart for 5$ is perfect he is also very shy
February 17, 2014